Need Christmas Cash? Here are Four Ways to Make Money If You’re Off the Floor During the Holidays
Published: December 3, 2020
Here’s a terrible fact for you: 8 million restaurant workers are unemployed in the United States. I’m one of those millions of people wondering how to make money for Christmas presents this year. And since you clicked on this post, I’m willing to bet you are, too.
I’ve managed to make enough quick Christmas cash to buy my loved ones gifts. Sure, they’re going to be handmade and right off the shelf at my local dollar store but those gifts are usually the most remembered in my family.
Today, I’m going to tell you how to make money during the holidays, even though I haven’t had a shift on the floor since January 24.
What we’ll cover:
Freelancing Flow
Niche Opportunities
Surveys for Christmas Money
Affiliate Programs
Why listen to me? I’ve made over $2,000 in sales with enough left over to buy presents. From the dollar store, but hey it’s the thought that counts.
Freelancing Flow
Veterans of the hospitality and restaurant industry often have skillsets outside of a kitchen or bar. Many bartenders and servers own their own businesses, make art, or have studied another area of expertise.
I wasn’t any different. I had a degree in management and psychology. Hobbies of mine included talking in weird accents, playing The Sims, and writing poetry or short stories. When the restaurant industry halted overnight, I knew I had to make a move. And not into porn, either.
Then, I discovered freelancing. I could write for companies on my own time and set my own rates. My form of art is writing. Other freelancers might design logos, write music, or build websites.
With so many businesses going online and into the virtual world, platforms like Upwork have seen an increase in use. I’ve made close to $2,000 from Upwork in nine months. Sure, this isn’t a jackpot, but it’s enough to be a good option on how to make money during the holidays.
Niche Opportunities
A niche is a segment of the world that you can be an expert in. Find a niche based on previous education, training, or even hobbies! Once you identify your area of knowledge, research what opportunities are available for freelancers in that segment, and where potential clients hang out. For me, a lot of my potential clients are hanging out on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Upwork.
Surveys for Christmas Money
Perhaps the quickest way for you to earn quick Christmas cash is to take paid surveys. Companies like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie will pay random strangers to give them all sorts of data. All you need is an internet connection and a device. Here are some places you can start earning:
On a personal note, I have yet to make money this way. You can read a review on this process from NerdWallet.
Affiliate Programs
“DM for collab?” You might have seen this comment on your IG posts as soon as you post. Tons of bots are asking us to represent brands on the reg. But if you play the game right, affiliate programs can be quite beneficial.
You can reach out to brands and companies explaining that you love their product and would like to be an affiliate with their product. Essentially, affiliates advertise a product to their following. If anyone from this group of people buys the product with your special code or link, you’ll get a percentage.
You’ve seen this on celebrity accounts and of reality TV stars. Instagram and social media have provided businesses a new marketing program and you should be taking advantage of this, like right now.
If you have a lot of followers, find a product you know you can sell to them. Be consistent in your own marketing, so you get the most out of your code.
I personally don’t do great on my social media page, but I have a dog that would stop people in their tracks on our walk. So I knew I could find a decent following on social media using his face. Now, I am in several affiliate programs with dog products and my dog literally makes me money.
Wrapping It Up (And Your Presents!)
Grab the wrapping paper, cause you now know how to make Christmas money in the middle of a pandemic. I know you have an area of expertise you’re sitting on that could be making you money. And I know for a fact you have a smartphone and social media account. So what are you waiting for? Those presents aren’t going to buy themselves!
